Unlike traditional file based applications, Database Applications have the advantage that several users can be adding, modifying and deleting data at the same time with the changes made by one user are available to all other users.

When developing a database application the choice of database engine is one of the most important decisions to make. At Absolute Software we have experience with many database engines including Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL Server each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Microsoft Access is simple to install and maintain because it require no additional software apart from the application that's using it. It is however accessed by reading and writing directly to the data files so is not suited for user groups larger than a few people.

For simultaneous access by larger groups of users then a database server (such as Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL server) is required. Database Servers can run on the same PC as the Database Application or run on a separate Server Computer. Database Servers can restrict access to their database to just the Local Area Network they reside on or can be configured to allow access over the internet, allowing remote offices to connect to the central database. Database Servers are more complex to install and maintain than a simple Microsoft Access database.

• MSSQL and MySQL
• Database applications
• Microsoft Access